POLICE BRIEFS: Online meeting leads to fraud

RCMP have released these surveillance photos of a woman suspected of committing fraud.

Surrey RCMP have released surveillance photos of a woman suspected of committing fraud.

On March 21, Mounties received a report of a scam involving the woman and someone she met online through a website designed to assist Filipino immigrants. The suspect identified herself as Creste Gelera and convinced the victim to provide bank information so Gelera could deposit a cheque which was supposedly for a surgery Gelera claimed she needed.

The cheque was deposited and the victim withdrew cash, which she gave to a woman named Lulu Beth as instructed by Gelera. Police suspect both names given to the victim are false.

The victim received a call from the bank advising the cheque was a fake and she had been defrauded of her money.

Photos released by police show an Asian female approximately 30 to 40 years old with dark hair and pink highlights. The suspect was wearing glasses, a grey sweatshirt and a black vest.

“This is a classic fraud that preys on people’s kindness, generosity, and sincere desire to help one another,” said Surrey RCMP Sgt. Alanna Dunlop. “Take steps to protect yourself and your money.Wait until a cheque is cleared by the bank before withdrawing the money and never give out your banking information or passwords. It’s always a good idea to be overly cautious if you are in contact with strangers on the Internet.”

Police are asking anyone who recognizes the suspect, or has more information, to contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or, if they wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.solvecrime.ca

Surrey man facing trafficking charges

A Surrey man is facing trafficking charges after Metro Vancouver Transit Police arrested him near the Surrey Central SkyTrain Station last month.

Troy Douglas Smith, 49, is facing three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Transit Police were patrolling the area near the station at approximately 8:40 p.m. on May 21 when they saw a man and woman get out of a taxi. The man was recognized as a subject of several outstanding warrants, including uttering threats against a person, breach of probation related to assault, and breach of recognizance.

Officers also searched the man and found a plastic bag containing a large amount of drugs believed to be heroin, crack cocaine and methamphetamines. Police also determined the man had a release condition not to be in contact with the woman accompanying him.

Smith will remain in custody until a court appearance on Friday (June 3).